Cliché
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
Revision as of 09:02, 3 November 2007
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A cliché is a phrase, expression, or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its intended force or novelty, especially when at some time it was considered distinctively forceful or novel. It is generally used in a negative context.
Identification
"Cliché" applies also to almost any situation, subject, characterization, figure of speech, or object—in short, any sign—that has become overly familiar or commonplace.
Because the novelty or frequency of an expression's use varies across different times and places, whether or not it is a cliché depends largely on who uses it, the context in which it is used, and who is making the judgment.
The meaning of a particular cliché may shift over time, often leading to confusion or misuse. An example of a cliché is "It's a trap!"
Other meanings
A cliché is also a term historically used in printing, for a printing plate cast from movable type. This is also called a stereotype.
See also
